Hello Brethren,
I've been a way for a while due to my
'disability', but I'm happy to be back!
The Lord laid this on my heart and I wanted
to 'share' it with you. It's a 'refresher' to me
about 'Who' is 'really' in charge in our lives
and how we are 'secure' and safe in His most
Mighty and supportive Hands!
Deut. 33:27: The eternal God is thy
refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms;
_________________________________________
This is a 'long' read but I know it will bless you!
I haven't heard a good preaching or even recent
teaching on the 'Sovereignty of God' in a long,
long time! Have you?
A lot of Christians do not understand or have
studied this vital and important subject especially
in the view of 'God's salvation for 'His' people!
Sovereignty is God's absolute and exclusive right
to exercise authority in the universe as He sees fit!
(I Chron 29:11-12; I Sam 2:6-8; Psa 50:10-11).
He holds this prerogative because of the perfections
of His character and because of His position as
creator and governor of the universe. As creator,
His dominion is perfect and His decrees are final.
Because of his authority as governor, He is to be
obeyed.
God has one plan, in which He used His ability to be
fully aware of past, present and future simultaneously.
He saw it all at once, and He ordained it all at once.
However, to study it and discuss it, we separate the
parts that were included in it. God's plan included
the decision to:
[1] Create all - including angels and all humans;
[2] Permit the fall - of both Satan and his angels,
and Adam;
[3] Provide salvation - for all people (John 1:29)
[4] Elect some (those who believe), and leave in
just condemnation those who do not believe
(John 1:11-13);
[5] Apply salvation - to all who believe (John 5:24).
The Bible says that the unregenerate are energized
by Satan (Eph 2:2) and that God works in the
regenerate (Phil 2:2). Yet the individual is not
conscious of any necessity being imposed upon him.
Therefore human choice of both good and evil
originates within the person's own volition or will;
it is free in the sense that he is conscious only of his
own freedom of action. We are never as uninfluenced
as we think. [John 8:43-45]
Much perplexity remains as to the precise way that
the individual's part and God's part in salvation relate.
Yet it is clear that God's influence on the unsaved
must be exercised if they are ever going to turn to
Him in saving faith (John 6:44; Rom 3:23-26; Eph 2:8-9).
________________________________________
HOW DO WE KNOW THAT GOD FREES MAN'S WILL SO
HE CAN TURN TO GOD?
The exhortations to turn to God (Prov 1:23; Isa 31:6;
Ezek 14:6; Matt 18:13; Acts 3:19).
The exhortations to repent (I Kings 8:47; Matt 2:3;
Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:3.
The exhortations to believe (II Chr 20:20; Isa 43:10;
John 6:29; 14:1; Acts 16:31).
The exhortations to obey (Acts 5:32; II Thess 1:8;
Heb 5:9).
God's 'Sovereign Election' for Salvation.
Gracious election is the sovereign act of God by
which from all eternity He graciously chose in
Christ Jesus for Himself, and on account of no
foreseen merit, certain sinful ones to be the
recipients of His special saving grace (John 1:11-13;
15:16; Acts 13:48; Rom 9:20; Eph 1:4;
II Thess 2:14).
If man contributes anything to his salvation then he
has grounds for taking credit (1 Corinthians 1:29;
Ephesians 2:9). God alone will be glorified in the
end; therefore, predestination is the only means by
which God can save. Although 1 Timothy 2:4 teaches
that God “desires all men to be saved,” we must not
forget that God desires to be glorified just as much.
1 Timothy 2:4 in no way undermines Ephesians 1:4-5.
God chooses to be just as glorified in His justice and
wrath as He is in His grace and mercy. Although
election might seem unfair and unjust, God has the
right to do to anyone whatever He pleases!
(Daniel 4:35; Romans 9:19-21).
Men are sinful and deserve nothing less than eternal hell.
Therefore, the question should not revolve around
why God chooses only some, but rather why God
chooses any. A final thing to remember is that election
only refers to salvation, never condemnation! God
never elects people for hell, only heaven. Although
God predestines all things, including every man’s
destiny,
He only elects unto salvation. Predestination and
election is not the same thing. Unconditional election
is the basis for regeneration and answers the question
of why some come to Christ while others remain in
unbelief.
Else, everyone with understanding and accountability
would want to 'BE SAVED'!
In summation take any 'truth' or fact from God's
Word or in life and 'throw' it to the ****hest point!
2Tim. 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto
God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
Use logic on your ***umptions and you will see if
it 'stands or falls'! Does God know everything?, Does
He know who will 'come' to Him and will not? Of course
He does! He knows because He has 'ordained' it as so!
Acts 13:48: And when the Gentiles heard this, they were
glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many
as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Paul exclaimed in scripture as the Holy Spirit confirmed
this fact!
Rom.9:18: Therefore hath he mercy on whom
he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
Rom. 9:19: Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he
yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
Rom. 9:20: Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest
against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that
formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
Rom. 9:21: Hath not the potter power over the clay,
of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and
another unto dishonour?
Rom. 9:22: What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and
to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering
the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
Rom. 9:23: And that he might make known the riches of
his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had
afore prepared unto glory,
Rom. 9:24: Even us, whom he hath called, not of the
Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
Glory to God for 'His' Sovereign Grace!
Titus 3:5: Not by works of righteousness
which we have done, but according to his mercy he
saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing
of the Holy Ghost; Amen!
God Bless!
Your brother in Christ,
Joe
I've been a way for a while due to my
'disability', but I'm happy to be back!
The Lord laid this on my heart and I wanted
to 'share' it with you. It's a 'refresher' to me
about 'Who' is 'really' in charge in our lives
and how we are 'secure' and safe in His most
Mighty and supportive Hands!
Deut. 33:27: The eternal God is thy
refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms;
_________________________________________
This is a 'long' read but I know it will bless you!
I haven't heard a good preaching or even recent
teaching on the 'Sovereignty of God' in a long,
long time! Have you?
A lot of Christians do not understand or have
studied this vital and important subject especially
in the view of 'God's salvation for 'His' people!
Sovereignty is God's absolute and exclusive right
to exercise authority in the universe as He sees fit!
(I Chron 29:11-12; I Sam 2:6-8; Psa 50:10-11).
He holds this prerogative because of the perfections
of His character and because of His position as
creator and governor of the universe. As creator,
His dominion is perfect and His decrees are final.
Because of his authority as governor, He is to be
obeyed.
God has one plan, in which He used His ability to be
fully aware of past, present and future simultaneously.
He saw it all at once, and He ordained it all at once.
However, to study it and discuss it, we separate the
parts that were included in it. God's plan included
the decision to:
[1] Create all - including angels and all humans;
[2] Permit the fall - of both Satan and his angels,
and Adam;
[3] Provide salvation - for all people (John 1:29)
[4] Elect some (those who believe), and leave in
just condemnation those who do not believe
(John 1:11-13);
[5] Apply salvation - to all who believe (John 5:24).
The Bible says that the unregenerate are energized
by Satan (Eph 2:2) and that God works in the
regenerate (Phil 2:2). Yet the individual is not
conscious of any necessity being imposed upon him.
Therefore human choice of both good and evil
originates within the person's own volition or will;
it is free in the sense that he is conscious only of his
own freedom of action. We are never as uninfluenced
as we think. [John 8:43-45]
Much perplexity remains as to the precise way that
the individual's part and God's part in salvation relate.
Yet it is clear that God's influence on the unsaved
must be exercised if they are ever going to turn to
Him in saving faith (John 6:44; Rom 3:23-26; Eph 2:8-9).
________________________________________
HOW DO WE KNOW THAT GOD FREES MAN'S WILL SO
HE CAN TURN TO GOD?
The exhortations to turn to God (Prov 1:23; Isa 31:6;
Ezek 14:6; Matt 18:13; Acts 3:19).
The exhortations to repent (I Kings 8:47; Matt 2:3;
Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:3.
The exhortations to believe (II Chr 20:20; Isa 43:10;
John 6:29; 14:1; Acts 16:31).
The exhortations to obey (Acts 5:32; II Thess 1:8;
Heb 5:9).
God's 'Sovereign Election' for Salvation.
Gracious election is the sovereign act of God by
which from all eternity He graciously chose in
Christ Jesus for Himself, and on account of no
foreseen merit, certain sinful ones to be the
recipients of His special saving grace (John 1:11-13;
15:16; Acts 13:48; Rom 9:20; Eph 1:4;
II Thess 2:14).
If man contributes anything to his salvation then he
has grounds for taking credit (1 Corinthians 1:29;
Ephesians 2:9). God alone will be glorified in the
end; therefore, predestination is the only means by
which God can save. Although 1 Timothy 2:4 teaches
that God “desires all men to be saved,” we must not
forget that God desires to be glorified just as much.
1 Timothy 2:4 in no way undermines Ephesians 1:4-5.
God chooses to be just as glorified in His justice and
wrath as He is in His grace and mercy. Although
election might seem unfair and unjust, God has the
right to do to anyone whatever He pleases!
(Daniel 4:35; Romans 9:19-21).
Men are sinful and deserve nothing less than eternal hell.
Therefore, the question should not revolve around
why God chooses only some, but rather why God
chooses any. A final thing to remember is that election
only refers to salvation, never condemnation! God
never elects people for hell, only heaven. Although
God predestines all things, including every man’s
destiny,
He only elects unto salvation. Predestination and
election is not the same thing. Unconditional election
is the basis for regeneration and answers the question
of why some come to Christ while others remain in
unbelief.
Else, everyone with understanding and accountability
would want to 'BE SAVED'!
In summation take any 'truth' or fact from God's
Word or in life and 'throw' it to the ****hest point!
2Tim. 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto
God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
Use logic on your ***umptions and you will see if
it 'stands or falls'! Does God know everything?, Does
He know who will 'come' to Him and will not? Of course
He does! He knows because He has 'ordained' it as so!
Acts 13:48: And when the Gentiles heard this, they were
glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many
as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Paul exclaimed in scripture as the Holy Spirit confirmed
this fact!
Rom.9:18: Therefore hath he mercy on whom
he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
Rom. 9:19: Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he
yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
Rom. 9:20: Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest
against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that
formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
Rom. 9:21: Hath not the potter power over the clay,
of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and
another unto dishonour?
Rom. 9:22: What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and
to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering
the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
Rom. 9:23: And that he might make known the riches of
his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had
afore prepared unto glory,
Rom. 9:24: Even us, whom he hath called, not of the
Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
Glory to God for 'His' Sovereign Grace!
Titus 3:5: Not by works of righteousness
which we have done, but according to his mercy he
saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing
of the Holy Ghost; Amen!
God Bless!
Your brother in Christ,
Joe
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